4. Toxic Chemicals

It may sound crazy now. But there was a time where the ocean was considered a dumpster.

Scientists thought it was large enough that we could throw anything into it safely. We’re talking pesticides, chemical weapons, and even radioactive waste. Yikes.

Thankfully, that begun to change in the 1970’s.

However, we’re still feeling the effects.

Today, almost every marine organism is contaminated with man-made chemicals.

Ocean Mining:

Every year companies try mining the ocean for silver, gold, copper, cobalt and zinc.

This creates sulfide deposits. The result? Increased toxicity in the region.

Marine Pollution Affects Sea Life:

I know, I know. That’s difficult to look at. Painful even.

But you know what? The truth hurts. Our lifestyles have led to this point. We have to acknowledge this. It’s the only way to move forward and correct our actions.

The best way to do that? Take a look at the damage being done.

Marine Animals:

As we discussed above, oil-spills, city runoff, eutrophication and pollution are killing marine life in large numbers.

But get this. It’s even changing their reproductive systems. So if they are somehow able to survive the pollution, their offspring won’t.

But the ripple of damage goes even further.

Coral Reefs:

You may have heard. Coral reefs are dying at an alarming rate. The truth?

We’ve already lost 27% of the planet’s coral reefs. Scientists estimate, if we continue on this path, that figure will double in 30 years.

That’s tragic because…

Despite only covering 1% of the ocean, coral reefs are home to over 25% of marine fish species.

How do coral reefs die?

It’s simple. Coral reefs live in tandem with algae. However, when that algae leaves the coral (due to all the reasons we listed above, pollution, runoff, eutrophication, etc), the coral becomes “bleached”.

Once bleached, it’s only a matter of time before it contracts a disease and dies.

Learn more with this great infographic provided by NOAA:

Human Health:

We should care about the ocean’s health. It’s where we get 70% of our oxygen. 97% of our water supply. It even absorbs 30% of our carbon emissions.

Need more proof we should care more about the ocean’s health?

Source: MastersDegree.net

Listen to this. Marine pollution can cause…

Hormonal problems

Reproductive problems

Nervous system damage

Kidney damage

Parkinson’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease

Heart disease

Great. Now that I have your attention…let’s start talking solutions.

What Can You Do To Help Stop Marine Pollution?

Spread Awareness

You can start by sharing this article on Facebook with your friends. Remember, what famed educator John Dewey once famously said: “a problem well-defined, is half-solved”.